Research TitleWiring the Olfactory System: From Genes to Specific Neural Circuits.

Research DescriptionWiring the Olfactory System: The sense of smell influences many intriguing aspects of human and animal behavior. Scents elicit innate responses of attraction and revulsion and evoke unusually enduring emotional memories. These features suggest that behaviorally important olfactory neural circuits may be hard-wired. We are interested in understanding how genes build specific neural circuits. We use gene targeting in ES cells, molecular biology and imaging to visualize and modify the neurons that recognize odors in the periphery and the brain. Cloning Mice from Neurons: We are also using nuclear transfer technology to clone mice from cortical neurons. These studies will show whether it is possible to clone from cortical neurons and will provide a method to identify irreversible DNA alterations in neurons, which may contribute to neuronal diversity and/or underlie neurodegenerative diseases.